Scripture: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Examination: In the first half of Romans 5, Paul is explaining the benefits of a relationship with God. In the latter half of the chapter, he compares the disobedient man (Adam) with the obedient man (Jesus), and goes on to explain that it is through Christ’s righteousness that one can have eternal life.
Application: Today is the birthday of George Washington, our nation’s first president. He loved the country that had come into existence on July 4, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by the Continental Congress. Washington served as the Commander-in-chief of the Continental army, leading the colonial army to victory over the British forces. He endured long periods of hardship side-by-side with his soldiers, including near starvation and freezing conditions, and risked everything he had, including his life, to fight for our country’s independence. Washington proved his love for this country by his actions.
A true love is reflected in action. Today’s verse clearly shows God’s love in action. His love was manifest in the life of Jesus, His beloved Son, and culminated in the long walk up Calvary to the cross. We must remember that Jesus chose the path He walked. The Bible records Jesus’ words to His disciples when He was arrested in Gethsemane. “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53) Because Jesus loved the Father, He chose to do His Father’s will. Because Jesus loved us, He chose to die on the cross in our place. That is love in action.
Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, is the Saviour of the world. Our heavenly Father sent Him to redeem us back to Himself because of only one reason. 1 John 4:9 states, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” Without a doubt, God loves us.
He proved it at the cross.
Memory Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean
Oh, how marvelous, how wonderful and my song will ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me
He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them His very own
He bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone
Oh, how marvelous, how wonderful and my song will ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me
(from “I Stand Amazed” by Shane Barnard)